MLB Free Agency: 10 Reasons Why Jorge Posada's Career Is over

MLB Free Agency: 10 Reasons Why Jorge Posada's Career Is over

It takes a lot to walk away from a game you love, especially if you think you still have something left.

That's the decision Jorge Posada has to make now. Does he go out for one last hurrah? Or does he walk away now, satisfied with what he's done?

That is never an easy decision.

Posada can walk away with his head held high, or he can be pushed into retirement.

It's hard to see a player—especially a fan favorite who meant so much—be unable to play at a high level anymore. However, I'd rather have that player leave on a high note and with dignity instead of trying to comeback and prove something.

Sure, he had more at-bats against righties, but that was for a reason. Posada couldn't hit left-handed pitching, and the numbers show that.

The ratio of at-bats to strikeouts is greater when he faced a left-hander as opposed to when he faced a right-hander. Not to mention Posada only managed six hits against them.

Interested teams will have to note that and see if Posada could hit against lefties again. If not, Posada's chances of finding a job as a major league player will be slim.

Risk of Injury

7 of 10

Throughout the course of his career, Jorge Posada experienced some pretty harsh injuries.

When he was still in the minors, he broke his leg and dislocated his ankle.

Then in 2008, he was seriously injured again and required surgery to repair his labrum in his right shoulder. After the 2010 season, Posada had surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee.

Those are a lot of injuries, two big ones especially in the tail end of his career.

Injuries, especially multiple ones, tend to hurt the players' production—which might explain why Posada's numbers are starting to go down rather drastically. Also, with age, the risk of injury increases as does the chance to aggravate old ones.

Posada isn't exactly injury plagued, but he's had two surgeries in two years. That has to be a warning flag.

No Room on the Yankees Roster

8 of 10

If Jorge Posada was to end his career, the team he'd pick to end it with would obviously be the New York Yankees.

However, they just have no room on their roster for an aging former star.

The Yankees are known to reach for the best and assemble the best team they can.

They can't afford to give Posada a spot because of sympathy when there's a better option out there.

Their DH situation seems to be set as well as their catcher, both starting and backup. The Yankees need to improve the bench, and bringing Posada back won't exactly do that.

It's sad to say and tough to realize, but Posada just doesn't have a spot on the New York Yankees as a player anymore.

The Replacements

9 of 10

Russell Martin. Francisco Cervelli. Austin Romine. Jesus Montero.

Those are all Jorge Posada's successors.

Martin has the full-time catching job. Cervelli is currently the backup and Romine is the third-string but figures to be the future catcher if he stays with the team.

Then there's Montero, who has an amazing bat which was put on display in September and parts of the postseason. He has the DH role locked down with Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter figuring in there as well to get some rest.

As much as I don't feel right about a 21—soon to be 22—year-old DH, he's the best guy for the job.

These guys are Posada's replacements, and they're all rather good ones, too.

He Went out on Top

10 of 10

At least Jorge Posada can say he's had one heck of a career.

He's a four-time champion, five-time All-Star and a five-time Silver Slugger. Posada has had a better career than most.

He doesn't have to go out chasing for that World Series ring. He can rest knowing he's got four of them with his friends.

Despite his massive slump this past season, he came back with a monster postseason. His numbers: .429 AVG, .579 OBP, and even a triple. That's one way to give the fans, and yourself a good memory to go out on.

Posada probably realizes what kind of career he's had. Of course he still thinks he can play, no one wants to really quit, but there comes a time when it's the right call.